Women’s cycling clothes (larger sizes)

[Kev880]

The wife’s taken up gravel riding she’s a size 16 but we aren’t having much luck finding padded cycling shorts, it seems a lot of companies think no one above a size 14 rides a bike!
Where can you buy larger sized cycle clothing without paying silly money?

[sjg]

Don't know what you think is silly money, but https://fatladattheback.com/ do a decent womens range now, £70 for shorts.

Or Alpkit go to an 18, at £50: https://alpkit.com/products/rhythm-elite-bib-short...

[IJWS15]

Decathlon have some that go up to XL, some is only up to 14. Hows that for consistency.

[Your Dad]

Galibier show XXL as being available on the drop-down on most womens shorts, size charts only show XL as size 14 so possible that XXL is a size 16. Drop them a message to confirm, they're quick to respond.

[Kev880]

We’ve bought xl shorts which should fit but didn’t, then we bought the same in xxl and they didn’t fit either, sizes are so inconsistent!

[dontlookdown]

Doesn't help that bike gear sizing is generally on the snug side anyway. I am L in most bike kit, M or S in normal clothes.

Also, not all people who ride bikes have extra long arms and legs, but most bike jacket and leggings mfrs seem convinced that they do;)

[dontdobends]

Lusso get good reviews for ladies shorts in group tests, and sizing on bibs up to xxxl and made in the UK

[yellowjack]

dontlookdown said:

Doesn't help that bike gear sizing is generally on the snug side anyway. I am L in most bike kit, M or S in normal clothes.

Also, not all people who ride bikes have extra long arms and legs, but most bike jacket and leggings mfrs seem convinced that they do;)

Same here. I'm forever having to fold back the cuffs on a long sleeve jersey, and "double over" the fabric on winter tights above the knee to ensure the bottom of the leggings isn't tucked into my shoes. I'm not a freakin' Orangutan ffs! And my size 'L' Sportful rain jacket doesn't fit over more than one layer, and is no use if there's anything in my pockets. I'm 5'6" and wear trousers with a 30" waist ffs, I'm not exactly Joe Wicks, but I'm no James Corden either. Being pushed into XXL cycle gear while my t-shirts are size S is properly irritating.

As for helping the OP out with size 16 ladies cycling gear? I can't help much. But Decathlon stuff is decent quality and fit, so maybe have a look there. More and more women are taking up cycling, or coming back to it later in life. And quite a few of them, I'd estimate from those I see out, are in the size 14 to 18 bracket, or even larger. And they look to have found suitable gear to wear. I guess it's out there, but perhaps not so easy to find as the sizes that fit those with a sportier size and shape are.

[Kev880]

Have ordered a pair of shorts from Fat Lad At the back, they actually list waist and hip sizes so fingers crossed!

[Kev880]

Well the shorts arrived.
10 out of 10 for Fat Lad at the back, not only do they fit but they seem to be good quality!
Would certainly recommend.